Compared to conventional systems that use multiple light sensors scattered about the enclosure, our long-fiber technique has many advantages. It is quicker, easier and less costly to install, even in multi-chamber switchgear. And you can use loop or radial arrangements, whatever best suits the installation. The REA Arc fault protection system is fitted in hours, not days.
The fiber-optic sensor is detecting light along its entire length, provides full protection everywhere, no matter how much of a maze the enclosure’s interior may be. Corrugated black plastic installation tubes fitted with cable ties can be used for mechanical protection of the sensor fiber and also from light where light detection is not desired. Minimum of 20 cm (8 inches) exposed sensor fiber per supervised compartment should be arranged.
Mounting example 1
The main module REA 101 and its connections viewed from back. REA 101 is flush mounted here into the cubicle door. Cover plate for the connectors (not shown here) can be ordered separately.
Mounting example 2
Mounting of the sensor fiber is easy. The sensor fiber is attached to the walls of cubicle compartments e.g. with "skeleton" stickers or with ordinary cable bundle ties.
Mounting example 3
The sensor fiber runs smoothly through the protected areas covering effectively even the most complex cabinets and internal structures. Mounting the plain cable is fast and easy. Only small holes, or no holes at all, are required if the sensor fiber is terminated after installation. See mounting examples 4 and 5 for more information.
Mounting example 4
The switchgear manufacturer can install the plain sensor fiber already at the factory into delivered entities. Fiber terminations and connections can then be done at site. Splice adapters and a handy fiber termination tool set is available for this purpose.
Mounting example 5
The switchgear manufacturer can install the plain sensor fiber already at the factory into delivered entities. Small plastic bushings or rubber grommets can be used for sensor fiber lead-throughs. Handy tool set is available for this purpose.